Summary:

After the mother of three children dies, their father gets them a robotic grandmother that takes care of them.

 

Bechdel Test:

  • Passes!
  • Anne and Karen talk to each other, to Aunt Endra, and to Grandma

 

Gender Roles of Important Characters:

  • Father
    • Masculine (8)
      • Defends own beliefs, assertive, analytical, leadership ability, willing to take risks, makes decisions, willing to take a stand, acts as a leader
    • Feminine (10)
      • Cheerful, affectionate, sympathetic, sensitive to others’ needs, compassionate, soft-spoken, warm, tender, loves children, gentle
  • Anne
    • Masculine (6)
      • Defends own beliefs, independent, assertive, forceful, willing to take risks, willing to take a stand
    • Feminine (2)
      • Shy, affectionate
  • Grandma
    • Masculine (7)
      • Assertive, analytical, leadership ability, willing to take a stand, makes decisions easily, acts as a leader
    • Feminine (14)
      • Cheerful, affectionate, loyal, sympathetic, sensitive to others’ needs, understanding, compassionate, eager to soothe hurt feelings, soft-spoken, warm, tender, does not use harsh language, loves children, gentle 

 

Analysis:

This episode is interesting. It does well in the fact that it has disrupted gender roles, which are seen mostly positively, as all characters are seen as good, and it does not end badly. It also passes the Bechdel test, which is good. However, there are also negative comments made about Anne when she acts in a more masculine fashion. She is called “sick” for acting angry when her mother dies, which is a valid emotion to have. Thus, this episode does a lot of things right, but it could still improve.

Shared by: Grace White
Image Credit: The Twilight Zone, CBS via Netflix